Johannesburg in 48 hours.

Before heading to the Waterberg region of Limpopo and just passing through Johannesburg, we decided to linger a bit longer for a change and spend the weekend there with Caleb, friends and family.

Each visit to Jozi leaves me pleasantly surprised by its various facets, green nooks, markets, gardens, waterfalls and of course; funky cafes and vibrant streets.

Jozi is not really a place we go to enjoy the outdoors, but this time we discovered that we had been missing out. Lucky for us, Volkswagen was there to offer up the best possible city and ‘long road’ vehicle- the Touareg. So here’s a few ideas for 48 hours in the city of gold- with or without kids…

Friday Night

1. Maboneng Precinct

I’ve researched this inner-city upliftment project, even written about the man who orchestrated it all but finally got to visit and experience it for myself. It’s one hell of a confusing drive to get there so perhaps its best to follow a local friend ( like we did) but once you’re there it’s all worth it.

Alleyways of art, a bioscope showing independent films, trendy bars and boutiques in containers, large-scale wall art and an edgy vibrance fills these streets once evening falls. Have a haircut, shine your shoes, have a drink in one of the bars from the prohibition era and immerse yourself in the art and the colour of Maboneng. When it comes to food…

For what’s on visit Maboneng Precinct.

2. Che Argentine Grill.

Do not pass the Argentine Grill, do not make the mistake of not eating their steak and definitely make a reservation. With massive, hunks of juicy steaks only akin to my time in Buenos Aires along with empanadas, wine and candlelit tables, you might imagine that you’ve wondered into a tango bar and await the arrival of alluring dancers or that you yourself may take to the floor in a upbeat tango.

To book a table, visit Che Argentine Grill.

Saturday Morning

Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens

These gardens are the perfect place to visit first thing in the morning. When we visited everything was so green with a hint of fresh rain. It had no time the lawns had dried, giving way to picnicking families, running children and groups posing in front of the waterfall. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic ( or visit the restaurant there just near the kid’s play area) and enjoy one of Joburg’s ‘Green lungs’. Hike up the stairs right beside the waterfall and enjoy views from the top.

For more information, visit Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens.

Saturday afternoon

Pappachinos.

Do not go to Papachinos if you don’t have any kids.I repeat do not step foot in here without kids. Even with a toddler I was alarmed at how many children were there running riot among the fall-friendly jungle gyms, boats, swings and car track. Some parents sat at their tables whilst the other half manned the kids. Sweet chaos reigned as we waited for our food with kiddie menu options of course. While this kind of place is still quite a shock to my new-parent system, it really does provide you with some time to sit down and eat whilst you and your partner tag team your way through lunch.

To book your table for a family lunch, visit Papachinos.

Sundowners at Brian Lara Rum Eatery.

Plants growing from the ‘walls’, old sherry bottles carrying strawberry daiquiris and pineapples used to serve pina coladas, this Jamaican cafe and cocktail bar is bursting with colour, kitch flavour and delightful island treats. Spicy chicken, fish, melon salad with feta and other yummy lunches. Thanks to our friends and local travel bloggers in the know, we were able to enjoy this little restaurant on 56 4th Avenue, Linden, Johannesburg.

For more information on dining and drinking here, visit their facebook page: Brian Lara Rum Eatery.

Saturday Night

Joburg Theatre

A lifelong dancer, lover of the stage and a fan of musicals and theatre, I was thrilled to visit the Joburg Theatre for the first time to watch my cousin Kirsten Rossiter and friend and fellow dancer, Stephen Jubber, perform in the hit musical West Side Story. With an incredible cast, beautiful voices and vibrant dances, it was brilliant.

To find out what’s on at the moment, visit the Joburg Theatre.

Sunday

Fourways Farmers Market

Yet another example of a great outdoors hub to enjoy in Jozi. It’s really not all about malls, shopping and restaurants and this market is a wonderful green space bustling with couples, families and friends every Sunday between 9am-4pm.

Enjoy live music in a forest and find everything from raw honey, craft beer on tap and belgian waffles to balkan burgers, clothing and organic cape cheeses.

Families can arrive knowing there is a giant outdoor playground with tractors, wooden houses and jungle gyms surrounded by tables and chairs where you can enjoy your lunch.

For more info on what’s at the market, visit Fourways Farmer’s Market.

For more info on what’s at the market, visit Fourways Farmer’s Market.

What did you get up to during YOUR weekend in Jozi? What did we leave out?

A big thank you to Volkswagen South Africa for taking us around Jozi in ultimate style in the Touareg.